Choosing your perfect tour type.We offer just about every type of adventure imaginable. Explore with other likeminded travellers on our organised group tours, alternatively try a private departure or talk to our tailormade team if you want more flexibility.

Explore the world with your family.Our Explore family adventure holidays are designed for families looking for a fun and memorable holiday, allowing you to explore exotic and unique destinations, with all of the logistics taken care of.

The one stop shop for all things special. Keep up to date with our latest special offers, promotions and incentives. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about great new tours, competitions, special offers and other exclusive deals. Sign up now!

Welcome to Explore - The Adventure Travel Experts.Explore has been running small group responsible adventures for nearly 35 years so you can be confident that you are in safe hands. Browse to find out more about Explore, our staff, tour leaders and values.

Highlights of Vietnam

On this Vietnamese adventure we travel along the beautiful coast from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. We visit the beaches of Nha Trang, the ancient imperial city of Hue and the historic sea port of Hoi An. Using local transport and staying in simple hotels, we also board a junk in Halong Bay for a relaxing cruise around the magnificent towering limestone islands.

Tour Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City - Learn about the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong at the Cu Chi Tunnels

Hoi An - Charming ancient merchants' town on the banks of the Thu Bon River

Hue - Perfume river cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, the symbol of city

Hanoi - Wander through the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter lined with shop-houses

Halong Bay - Traditional junk boat cruise through one of the most incredible limestone landscapes in South East Asia

Itinerary

1

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City and check-in at the hotel. The city is an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. We take a short orientation tour on foot around Old Saigon, the heart of the city, including the prominent Hotel de Ville, whose ornate grandeur is today the home of the city's People's Committee, the Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French style edifice that is the GPO building.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
None

2

In Ho Chi Minh City; free day with option to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without exploring something of its tragic recent history and the poignant reminders of what the Vietnamese refer to as the American War can still be seen amongst the buildings and artefacts of the old US Embassy, as well as the remarkable Reunification Palace and the emotive War Crimes Museum, which contains a fascinating, and at times chilling, reminder of the cost of the Vietnam War on the people themselves. Another option is to join an excursion out to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops and were a major part of the Tet Offensive. This area was the centre of intense fighting during the war, much of it falling prey to the incessant carpet bombing, napalm and defoliants utilised by the Americans in an attempt to dislodge the Viet Cong from their underground shelters. There is little evidence of any of that now and the landscape has returned to something of its pre-war beauty, but exploring the tunnels of Ben Dinh and Ben Binh gives some idea as to the conditions that the Vietnamese and their American adversaries had to endure. Be warned, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

3

Free day with option to take excursion to Mekong Delta; take sleeper train to Nha Trang

Today sees an opportunity to journey down into the Mekong Delta and explore the fertile hinterlands that lie sandwiched between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Heading down towards the town of My Tho takes you into a region where the orchids, lychees and coconut palms that are grown in the delta are bartered at breakneck speed and taking to the waters you have a chance to enjoy the timeless tableau of river life that has continued pretty much unchanged for generations, visiting local villages and floating along the narrow tree-lined canals of the Mekong. There will be an opportunity to take lunch on one of the islands, before returning to My Tho by boat to make the return journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening the group transfers to the train station by taxi, in order to catch the overnight train to Nha Trang.

Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

Included Meals:
Breakfast

4

Arrive in Nha Trang; free day with option to take boat trip on the bay

Early this morning we arrive in Nha Trang and transfer to the hotel. Given the early hour of our arrival, dayrooms are provided to freshen up prior to our own rooms becoming available. The day has been left free to explore Nha Trang at your own leisure and the town's picturesque location, amidst a golden landscape of white beaches and blue waters, makes it an ideal spot to enjoy some quality beach time. Other options include a relaxing mud bath, or perhaps a boat trip out to the islands that lie offshore with the chance for snorkelling. Those looking for something a little more active might like to consider a trip by bicycle to explore the nearby Cham Towers and the old part of the town. Probably Nha Trang's most iconic attraction, the Po Nagar Cham Towers span a period of some 500 years and present a haunting reminder of the long forgotten kingdom that once ruled these lands through their divine kings. Only 4 of the original 10 towers remain (many were destroyed during the intense fighting of the Vietnam War), but nonetheless they conjure up an impressive feeling of power and mystery and, along with the remnants of Nha Trang's past and the captivating sights of its fishing villages present an enthralling introduction to the town.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
None

5

In Nha Trang, free day to relax on beach or explore nearby ruins by bicycle; take sleeper train to Danang

Another full day in Nha Trang offers the chance to continue with some personal sightseeing, or perhaps enjoy a little more of the beach, before we transfer to the railway station for an overnight journey to Danang.

Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

Included Meals:
Breakfast

6

On arrival in Danang we will continue our journey by charter bus to Hoi An. On our way we pass the popular beach resort of My Khe, better known as China Beach, an area that during the Vietnam War was popular with the American GIs on RnR. Given the early hour of our arrival at the hotel we might not be able to check-in so we plan to store our bags, have breakfast (not included) then embark on a walking tour of Hoi An. First colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, by the 17th and 18th centuries Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading posts in southeast Asia and, even today, it still retains the engaging charm of a medieval port, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. Highlights include the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a pagoda dedicated to the worship of Buddha originally built by the Vietnamese people in the 16th century and the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge. We end at the colourful riverside market, a perfect setting for exploring, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
None

7

In Hoi An, free day to enjoy the Old Town, visit nearby beach or hire bicycles to explore surrounding countryside

Today is free to wander through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site at your leisure. An early morning visit to the fish market presents a riot of noise and colour that is perfect for some great photo opportunities and some choice local interaction. You might also like to pay a visit to the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An's emblematic symbol, believed to have been constructed to quell the violent rumblings of a restless monster, or perhaps explore the traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples that line the streets. There are numerous tailors shops in Hoi An providing an incredibly cheap and quick service and almost all visitors have at least one item made before they depart. Hoi An is also a great place to hire a bicycle as the roads are relatively quiet. There's a good beach just a few kilometres from the town or alternatively why not set out to explore nearby villages. Cooking classes are yet another option available in this popular traveller's hangout.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

8

Drive along the coast via Hai Van Pass to Hue; free afternoon

This morning sees us heading along the coastal road towards the historic setting of Hué, crossing part of the Truong Son Mountains and travelling via the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and the journey should get us into the old imperial city around lunchtime, after which the rest of the day is free for personal exploration. Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hué is divided by the waters of the Perfume River, which separate the city's 19th century citadel from the suburbs that radiate from the eastern shore and, even today, its easy air of leisurely ambience makes it one of the most engaging cities in the country to explore.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

9

In Hue; free day with option to take boat on Perfume River or visit Citadel; take sleeper train to Hanoi

With the better part of the day to enjoy the city, Hué offers a wealth of options to make the most of your time here. You could pay a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hué. Dedicated to the Manushi- Buddha, the existing temple was constructed in the middle years of the 19th century, under the auspices of the Emperor Thieu Tri, and within its confines you can find a number of superb Buddhist statues, as well as an enormous cast bell that weighs in at over 2000kg and is reputed to be audible over 10km away. Another alternative is to spend some time exploring the Old Citadel that dominates the left bank of the Perfumed River. Built by the Nguyen dynasty (Vietnam's ruling emperors from the early 1800s to1945), the Citadel has formal moats and impressive ramparts that were constructed to be an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing. During the bloody conflicts of the Vietnam War, Hué was the site of some of the most destructive fighting of the Tet Offensive, most of the Inner City being totally destroyed during the month-long battle in 1968. The vast outer walls and the West Wing remain though and provide an eloquent reminder of the palace's former glory. Farther afield, amongst the forested landscapes of the Perfume Valley, you can find the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, the unique mausoleums of the emperors that provide an ideal destination to explore by bicycle. Later this afternoon we will then head for the railway station to board the overnight train north to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant and historic capital.

Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

Included Meals:
Breakfast

10

Arriving in Hanoi in the early hours of this morning we disembark the train and transfer by road towards the Bay of Tonkin on Vietnam's northeast coast. Our destination is the breathtaking setting of Halong Bay one of Vietnam's, and indeed Southeast Asia's, most spectacular natural attractions, whose staggering beauty has seen it listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay presents a quite extraordinary vista of hundreds of limestone islands (over 1600 at last count) that rise from the jade green waters of the bay like the scales of some great submerged dragon. Indeed Halong means 'where the dragon descends to the sea' and local legends tells of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a mighty dragon as he ran from the mountains into the glittering waters of the bay below. On arrival we will board our junk and set sail, threading our way through a flotilla of boats, junks and wooden sampans as they ply their way across the gentle waters of the bay. The plan for today is to sail through this stunning seascape, stopping off to swim and visit some of the limestone caverns that pepper the landscape. We will overnight on board the junk in comfortable en suite air-conditioned cabins with all bedding provided. Please be aware that the boat will not be exclusive to Explore and we will be sharing it with other travellers.

Overnight: Standard JunkSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Lunch, Dinner

11

Return to Hanoi; orientation walk of Old Quarter

Returning back to Hanoi your tour leader will then take those that wish on a short orientation tour of the city, wandering the streets of the city's Old Quarter, whose narrow streets are named after the various crafts and specialities of the city's artisans: Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street etc. This practice dates back to the 13th century, when the city's original 36 guilds established themselves here, adopting a street each to differentiate them from their neighbours. The maze of alleys and streets present a fascinating venue to explore on foot and the area is known for its interesting 'tube' houses, where the narrow frontages give way to long rooms that stretch back from streets, whose pavements are littered with food sellers tempting passers-by with all manner of noodles, snacks and stir-fried delights from shoulder panniers. Later today there may be a chance to witness a remarkable performance of traditional water puppetry, a practice that dates back to the 15th century and is deeply ingrained into the cultural lives of the peoples of the Red River Delta. Set on a flooded stage, the stories tell tales of legendary heroes and everyday life, with dragons and unicorns sharing the stage with ducks and frogs, and even fireworks and naval battles.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

12

In Hanoi; free day with option to visit the French Quarter

Architecturally styled like a French provincial town, with tree-lined boulevards and substantial low-built houses, Hanoi is a wonderfully nostalgic city to enjoy and amongst its more interesting sights are the charming One-Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh was a spartan-living and scholarly man, who chose not to live in the Presidential Palace itself, but instead preferred a simple teak 2-storied stilt-house specially built for him in the grounds. You can visit his museum and this austere mausoleum, said to resemble that of Lenin in Moscow, or perhaps taking another walk through the engaging streets of its Old Quarter. The city's French Quarter is a great place to explore by bicycle, its grandiose colonial architecture offering up a rich contrast to the more frenetic pace of the old city, whilst those looking to discover something more of the colonial wars might like to pay a visit to the Museum of Vietnamese Revolution or the Military History Museum.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

13

Tour ends in Hanoi

Tour ends after breakfast. If you have time you may wish to take another wander through the fascinating Old Quarter or stroll along the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Good Morning Vietnam! tour available at present.

Customer rating:Good Morning Vietnam!3 out of
5
based on
4 ratings.
Read reviews

Why Book this tour

This highlights tour of Vietnam covers the country from south to north. Travel is mainly by public transport to give an insight into local life, and has a lot of free time factored in. This trip is suited to more adventurous travellers who enjoy independent exploration as well as organised activities and who want a more flexible holiday. This tour combines with our Indochina Encounter (QBK) trip for a more extended exploration of the region.